The state government's latest five-day snap coronavirus lockdown means the Warrnambool and District league will be interrupted for a second time this season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The lockdown comes into effect at 11.59pm on Thursday.
There's no doubt players, coaches, supporters, volunteers, umpires and anyone else involved in football and netball will be shattered to miss out on another Saturday of games.
Kolora-Noorat coaches and players expressed disappointment but there was certainly a sense of optimism at training on Thursday night.
Both the footballers and netballers took the chance to do something different from the typical drills.
READ MORE:
The footy players were enjoying a fun game of soccer on the oval while the netballers were doing some boxing fitness with music pumping in the background.
Football coach Ben Walsh said it was a case of just making the best of a tough situation.
"The writing was on the wall earlier today (Thursday), you become accustomed to that sort of news this year," he said.
"So it's obviously disappointing, it's getting to the exciting part of the year.
"But there's nothing you can do, you've just got to roll with the punches and we'll have a fun night on the track tonight and then hopefully get some positive news next week and try and reload."
He added the Power had players raring to get back on the field in the back end of the season.
"I know everyone's really keen to play and we're getting pretty close to a full list, so there are some guys that are crying out to play but hopefully back on deck next week," he said.
Senior footballer Joel Dillon, who plays in the back-line, echoed Walsh's sentiment.
"I'm a bit bummed (about it), obviously, we're coming into the home stretch now so it would be nice to get some consistent games going but it is what it is," he said.
Fellow senior player Ryley Hutchins, who plays forward, was looking forward to watching his mates in the under 18s.
"I was not very happy about it (the lockdown) because we were playing Allansford, one of the top sides in under 18s, this weekend," he said.
"I was pretty excited to watch that game."
A grade netball coach Carloyn Carlin was likewise disappointed.
"You come to Thursday night ready for Saturdays and all that sort of stuff and we've been in this position before but as it gets closer to the end of the season, you know you haven't many games left," she said.
"So I'm gutted for the girls and gutted for the club and all the other clubs that are going to miss out too."
The Malady sisters, who play under the ring in A grade, were looking forward to their round 14 clash.
"It's definitely a bummer, I think this would have been a good game for us this weekend against Allansford, so it is a bit of a bummer not to be playing" Kaylee said.
"But hopefully we can get back next week and finish off the season."
Her younger sister, Tegan, said it was "tough to stay in the rhythm of netball with all the interruptions".
There was also no Warrnambool and District league senior games on the weekends of May 29 and June 5 due to a previous state government lockdown.
The WDFNL seniors returned on June 12 and have got through four rounds without interruption.
Nirranda is sitting on top of the football ladder with the Power in second.
The Blues are also leading the A grade netball ladder with Timboon Demons in second place.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.